Ex-Rangers boss Walter Smith says Scott Allan would be a good signing for the Gers

There are few individuals that have contributed as much to the success of Rangers as former manager Walter Smith, and the 67-year-old has pinpointed a player he feels would be a great addition to Mark Warburton's promotion attempts this season, in a piece on Ladbrokes.com.

He has identified Hibernian midfielder Scott Allan, a player closely linked with the club this year, as someone that could make a big difference to the Gers title hopes.

The Edinburgh club have been reluctant to do business for their player though, despite several reported bids for Allan from Warburton, including a third bid reported by BBC Sport this week, though that hasn't stopped Smith championing the player for his old side, even if he does admit Hibs would be unlikely to sell to a rival.

"Scott Allan showed last season at Hibs that he’s a very creative player and that’s something that Rangers have lacked over the last three seasons," Smith told Ladbrokes. "Someone who can carry the ball and create an opportunity for others.

"That’s obviously why Mark wants him but it looks as though Hibs, and from their perspective quite rightly so, are not willing to sell someone who could cause them problems. They’ll not want to sell to anyone never mind their closest rivals

"Scott would be a terrific acquisition but I fear Hibs won’t sell so I think Rangers will have to get on without him and I’m sure they will do."

Under Smith, the Gers won a famous seven league titles in a row in the 1990s, while he also had success on his return to Ibrox in 2007, winning three more championships in his three full seasons, which came a year before the club were really hit by the financial problems that ended up with them being liquidated and admitted into the fourth tier of Scottish football.

Rangers have managed to achieve two promotions since then, but stumbled in their direct route back to the top tier after losing in the playoff final to Motherwell earlier in the year, and find themselves once again in the Championship looking to blitz their way to promotion at the second time of asking.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)